Yet stress need not be a given of daily existence. Most people have experienced stress-related symptoms - rapid heartbeat, racing thoughts, clammy palms. Stress can best be described as the combination of our perception of a situation and our body's concurrent physiological reaction. Often, it can trigger a fight or flight response.

Though stress can be helpful in certain life-threatening circumstances, chronic stress can be damaging to both body and mind. Long term negative effects on the body include a weakened immune system, increased blood pressure, and chronic fatigue.

Fortunately, age-old techniques of mediation for stress relief can be used to conquer it. Meditation restores the body to a calm state - your heart rate and breathing slow, your blood pressure regulates, your oxygen efficiency increases. The body's natural relaxation response serves as a powerful antidote to stress.

Relaxation techniques include deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, and classical meditation, such as the focus on an image or mantra (sacred word or phrase). When practiced daily, meditation will reduce everyday stress levels, in addition to creating the emotions of happiness and tranquility. In addition, future stressful situations can be effectively dealt with while maintaining a calm and centered perspective. Done properly, using meditation for stress relief can be very effective.

People who meditate find it easier to break ill-advised habits (like smoking), have lower levels of cortisol (stress hormone), maintain prime mental acuity longer, and display improved immunity. All these factors contribute to better adaptation to stressful events and the ability to cope with stress in a healthy manner.

Meditation involves the process of clearing the mind to focus single-pointedly on one object or idea. It can be described as a state in which one feels completely in the present moment. Unlike conventional medications used to teat anxiety or stress, meditation for stress relief has no potential side effects.

Meditation can be practiced by all age groups, and the elderly or infirm will find it easier to practice than strenuous physical exercise. No additional equipment need be purchased. A quiet environment, point of focus, non judgmental attitude, and a comfortable position are all that is required.

One should begin with five or ten minute sessions and gradually work up to longer periods of time as the daily schedule permits. Cultivating a successful practice does take time, discipline and commitment, and beginners may become frustrated that they cannot keep their mind in check if they attempt to meditate for more than a few minutes initially. Meditation can also be combined with other methods like journaling that allow the mind to "let go" of recurring thoughts.

Meditation for stress relief activates the relaxation response, which allows the body and mind to come back into balance. Concurrently, breathing deepens, stress hormones reduce, heart rate and blood pressure slow, and muscles relax as tension releases from the body. In addition to its soothing physical effects, research shows that meditation can increase energy and focus, boost immunity, relieve chronic aches or pain, increase problem-solving abilities, and boost motivation and productivity. All these benefits work towards eliminating negative reactions to stress in the future.

You can use specific meditation for stress relief techniques to immediately relive stress, including the body scan, walking meditation, and mindfulness practices such as breath awareness or mindful eating. When practicing mindfulness meditation, be sure to nurture non-judgmental thoughts and self-compassion. Feelings of gratitude and appreciation of the present moment will likewise lead to a successful meditation session that quickly and easily dispels feelings of stress.

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